In 1923 Petit Jean became the first state park in Arkansas thanks to the efforts of Dr. T.W. Hardison. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) laid the foundation for the park as we know it today. The public is invited to join the park staff on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend for family friendly activities and programs that help celebrate the founding of Petit Jean State Park.

Planned programming for Petit Jean Founders’ Day includes “Be an Explorer!,” a “Petit Jean Riddle Hunt,” “A Killing on the Mountain” and other stories, a walking tour of recently remodeled Mather Lodge, and an evening presentation of “A Place Called Petit Jean.” Visitors of all ages are also invited to play a “Petit Jean style” version of softball at the park’s ball field, which was the site of the CCC Camp in the 1930s. Detailed program schedules will be available at the park’s visitor center or at Mather Lodge.

This event is family-oriented, free and open to the public. For more information, call the park at (501) 727-5441, email petitjean@arkansas.com or visit www.petitjeanstatepark.com.